Dear Tom and Ray:

I'm writing in response to Gene's question about static on the radio when he applies the brakes. I would check for rusty tail light sockets. I have a '75 Firebird which also experienced static on the radio when I stepped on the brakes. My problem was water getting into the sockets and causing a short. There's a plastic housing which holds four bulbs for each set of rear lights. Where this mates to the metal of the car, there are gaskets which were deteriorating, allowing water to enter. Applying the brakes caused the twelve volt supply to be pulled low, which left the RF amp in the radio under powered. The under powered amp them drew current by a noisy arcing voltage that caused static. I hope this can help Gene solve his problem. Keep up the great responses. Ted

Tom: Thanks, Ted. We've forwarded your letter to NHTSA (the National Highway Taillight Socket Administration) for further investigation.

It's NEVER cheaper in the long run to buy a new car. Want proof? Order Tom and Ray's pamphlet How to Buy a Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1992 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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